Salicylic acid induces the formation of supramolecular antimicrobial hydrogels from worm-like micelles.

Abstract

The incorporation of salicylic acid (SA) facilitates the gelation of worm-like micelles (WLMs) derived from sodium lauroyl glutamate (LGS) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) under acidic conditions, thereby constructing a pH-responsive supramolecular hydrogel system. SA significantly enhances the transition from WLMs to the gel state, as evidenced by changes in the storage modulus (<i>G</i>') and loss modulus (<i>G</i>''), highlighting its pivotal role in dynamic network crosslinking. The electrostatic interaction between CTAB and LGS provides a foundation for the formation of the LGS/CTAB/SA hydrogel. This study further elucidates the sustained release and antibacterial properties of SA as a drug molecule and assesses the antibacterial capabilities of various hydrogel formulations, thereby providing a robust theoretical and experimental foundation for the development of novel multifunctional supramolecular hydrogels.